Hiring a moving company is convenient and all, but sometimes, it simply does not fit your budget. So if you’ve decided to move to another state independently, prepare yourself for various obstacles along the way. One of the difficulties you might be facing right now is how to pack your U-Haul. Honestly, even movers find it challenging to fill up a truck sometimes. But you don’t have to worry. Here’s everything you need to know about packing up your ride.
1. Select The Right Truck Size
The secret to a well-packed truck is having enough space. You can only cram so much in without risking damage to your belongings. Fortunately, U-Haul trucks come in all shapes and sizes, from small cargo vans to massive trailers. It might be tempting to go for a cheaper type thinking, ‘Oh, I’ll just jam my stuff until everything fits.’ Promise, you don’t want to do that. In the end, you’ll be spending more on repairs and replacements for broken items. Additionally, make sure you read truck guides to get an idea of what truck size fits your cargo.
The secret to a well-packed truck is to have enough space.
2. Clean The Truck First
When you rent a U-Haul, chances are the last person to use it forgot to clean up their mess. And unless you’ve specifically asked for the truck to be cleaned, you will have to do it yourself. Before you complain, think about the precious upholstery and mattresses you’ll be stowing in there. You don’t want them to get dirty, right? So grab your broom and cleaning spray and start wiping down and disinfecting!
3. Gather Supplies
Boxing up might be tedious, yet it’s crucial to this operation. You’ll have to pack your items first, or they won’t fit inside the truck. Typical supplies you need include moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, furniture pads, and old blankets. The goal is to secure your belongings to withstand the rattling during transit. It would also be worth renting a dolly to avoid straining your back from heavy lifting.
4. Heavy Items First, Lighter Ones Last
The reason for this is to unload the bulky items later on. Also, you don’t want to risk them crushing your fragile stuff. Begin by loading large appliances like the refrigerator, stove, dishwashers, and dryers. Next, put in the bed frame, couches, tables, desks, and tables.
You might want to disassemble some furniture first if things don’t fit well. For example, you can remove table legs or remove drawers. It’s also a good idea to put couches and headboards in an upright position to save more space. Don’t forget to insert foam padding or moving blankets between corners where furniture rubs against each other. Use tie-downs to secure the items to the walls of the truck.
After you’ve secured the big boys, it’s time for your boxes and smaller belongings to enter the scene. This includes your TV, toaster, mirrors, mattresses, and other medium-sized appliances. Try to fill gaps with soft items like linen, sheets, and pillows. Lastly, place fragile items on top and secure them with tape. You should also keep jewelry and valuables in small Ziploc bags tucked inside boxes.
5. Double-Check Before Moving Out
Congratulations on making it to the end of the tutorial! You’re now one step closer to completing your move successfully. Although you’ve ensured to keep everything tight and in place, it won’t hurt to double-check for things you might have missed. Inspect the straps to ensure that none of them are loose. See that you’ve stacked the boxes with the heaviest in the bottom and lighter ones on top. Once you’ve loaded everything, don’t forget to lock the back of your truck. You never know when thieves can attack, especially if you’re making stops!
Although you’ve ensured to keep everything tight and in place, it won’t hurt to double-check for things you might have missed.
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